with news stories / article .... is it not true that everyone is allowed to report / write on any current event that occurs, as every one is entitled to news .... however (and i guess this is obvious) you just need to have itt in your own words, i.e. dont copy word for word other news articles is this correct? Thanks
Some news are privileged news and not meant for everyone to see, publishing them may have a dozen lawsuits lined against you. In general terms though, you should be allowed to publish them if your local jurisdiction permits you to rewrite them.
It's a bit of a grey area, depending what you want to do with the story. For instance,, if it came from a press release then you're probably free to write the story - in fact the company behind the press release will be encouraging this. Alternatively you're free to comment on the news (editorial) - to do this you may want to review the story. Really you should acknowledge the source of the news (although a blanket statement like "it has been widely reported in today's press that..." might cover it. If you're reporting on something exclusive to one news source (e.g. they have interviewed a witness to a world event) then you have to be more careful what you report and how you write it.